Location: San Juan Capistrano
Top Things to do in San Juan Capistrano
Countries
9 Sights & Landmarks in San Juan Capistrano That You Shouldn't Miss
San Juan Capistrano is an easy day trip from Los Angeles and Orange County, by Amtrak train or freeway. Tours of the Mission buildings and gardens include the ruins of the 1797 Great Stone Church, destination for the legendary swallows of Capistrano. The Los Rios Historic District has buildings open to the public, such as the 1881 Ramos House Café and the1794 Montanez Adobe. Zoomars Petting Zoo is a kid-friendly attraction in the district adjacent to the train depot. The attractive town center has interesting galleries, antique stores, shops and restaurants.
Restaurants in San Juan Capistrano
1. The Ecology Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
The Ecology Center is an exciting educational center, whose purpose is to engage the entire family in fun, hands-on activities that teach practical, environmental solutions at the household and community level.
Reviewed By carolinegL9564YI - San Juan Capistrano, United States
Historic residence run by volunteers. They have pretty gardens which demonstrate ecological and healthy ways to grow vegetables in an urban or suburban setting. Rainwater gathering, drought resistant planting, fruit trees, vegetables, classes, and gifts. They offer free school trips which you must plan and reserve in advance. Behind the house is a huge farm (Kinoshita active working farm which has strawberry picking two weekends a year and lots of produce growing. Along side is a farmers market store which is open daylight hours and offers local produce as well as what they grow. Old time San Juan Capistrano at it's most wonderful. The ladies who work in the farmers market store next door are beautiful and kind. The Ecology Center is not open a lot of hours but if you buy produce at the market they seem to allow you to stroll through the grounds and enjoy. They ask for a donation, try to be supportive. There are live chickens :) Check their website for events!
2. Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By 598marisap - Dallas, United States
St. John O'Sullivan was in charge of this mission in 1910, and he was the one to build it. The church is just a jewel in the middle of the mission. I love the grand golden retablo, it is very similar to the ones from the colonial period in Mexico. I also love the sculptures of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Juan Diego. This is a wonderful place to attend mass on Sundays.
3. San Juan Capistrano City Hall
4. Los Rios Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By TeemareeDotCom - Los Angeles, United States
We stumbled upon this lovely attraction and felt we were entering a magical place. You simply cross the train stop tracks that come off of a normal cut de sac'd street and suddenly you are in a historical area with lovely homes and homes turned businesses. There are mature trees, butterflies, flowers. There are small eateries, a tea house, a coffee shop. There is a park with a historical dwelling that you can enter if you arrive at the right time. You turn a bend and suddenly you are walking over to a petting zoo with childlike surroundings. There are no sidewalks, you walk on active streets that are so sleepy it is easy to forget that cars do still pass on occasion. It is wonderful. I highly recommend.
5. Capistrano Depot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By socaltravelers2016 - San Bernardino, United States
You can find this tiny brick building right after you get off the Metrolink or Amtrak trains in Capistrano. It's more of an information booth with train schedules and brochures, but it's not always opened. Nearby are many restaurants, shops, and Mission San Juan Capistrano. Los Rios Historic District is just steps away on the other side of the train tracks.
6. Montanez Adobe
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By 598marisap - Dallas, United States
This house was built in 1794 to house the Native Americans neophytes. Polonia Montañez was the owner in the 19th century, and was in charge of giving Catholic formation to the town people. The house is made of adobe and has a beautiful landscaping with wild flowers.
